Canberra honours Australians who served in Afghanistan

About 600 veterans gathered at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on October 11 to mark 25 years since Australian service in Afghanistan began. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to those killed or wounded and to military families.

Albanese honoured the 47 Australians who died as a result of their service in Afghanistan. He described the constant risks from explosives, suicide attackers and threats arising within allied ranks.

The prime minister also recognised Afghan soldiers and interpreters who helped Australian forces, often at personal risk. Some attended the ceremony. He acknowledged veterans who returned with physical or psychological injuries and the families who supported them.

Australia deployed troops following the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. About 26,000 to 30,000 Australians served under Operations Slipper and Highroad, with 263 wounded. The campaign became the country’s longest military engagement.

Veteran Kahlil Fegan said the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 had prompted questions about the war’s outcome. He argued that service also carried meaning through duty, courage, sacrifice and standing by fellow soldiers.

Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith attended. He faces five charges of war crime murder concerning alleged executions of Afghan detainees and denies the allegations. A judge permitted him to travel from Brisbane under strict bail conditions. No criminal trial date has been set.

Other attendees included Victoria Cross recipient Dan Keighran, former prime ministers John Howard, Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison, opposition leader Angus Taylor and former special forces officer Andrew Hastie.